Posted by Mr. Ventilator on October 20, 1999 at 17:05:48:
I've listened to this song quite a few times over the past couple of weeks since I finally bought GHS on CD. Gotta say I like it more and more..
It sneaks up on you. Starts out kind of slow, then picks up..by 1:30 or so into the song, you've got three guitars just absolutely wailing. It's Mick Taylor and Kieth at their absolute rauchiest. Over the years, people have focussed on the lyrics of this song, (which is sort of pointless, because they're absolutely unintelligible) rather than the guitarwork, which is some of the best of the period (i.e. ever!).
The only thing I think is a weak point in the song is something that on most Stones songs is a strong point - the drumming. They're just kind of *there* - there's not really much drive or energy. It also seems like the tempo speeds up and slows down a few times during the song - especially during the early part. It's just noticable enough to be disconcerting. I think if "Starfucker" had gotten the full Charlie Watts treatment in the way, say "Crazy Mama" or "Hand of Fate" did, it'd be regarded as a full-on classic.
"Starfucker" is very similar to "It's Only Rock And Roll". But much better, in my opinion.